Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun - Atlases - Albums - Reviews - Soundblab

Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun - Atlases

: by Katy Ledger Rating:6.5 Release Date:2010-06-14 Label: istartedthefire; on 27 April 2010

And so 2010 sees the continuation of mediocre bands being churned out on the back of the new-folk movement. Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun are a Cheltenham based quartet looking to charm us with their own brand of country folk punk. So will Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun get lost in the sea of glockenspeils and banjos or can they hold their own with the likes of Mumford & Sons and Frank Turner?

Frank Turner himself says; "Jim Lockey is one of, if not the best, singer-songwriter I met in 2008. Deserves to be massive". Jim Lockey started out life in an emo/punk band, has a wavering, slightly raspy voice and spins poetic, sometimes political laments palatable for a youthful audience. Hmmm...sound familiar anyone?

Leaving the comparisons aside for one minute, 'Altlases' unfortunately begins quite weakly. After the promising title track, the album blands out until the second half, which is loaded with some great foot-stomp inducing country ditties and the fantastically self-indulgent prog-folk track Vessels, echoing the grand ambitions of The Decemberists.

The album is OK but leaves you with the feeling that these guys have got more to offer. I imagine they would be great live and perfect for a festival, and as far as the new-folk movement goes I'm sure we will be presented with some much less genuine crap than this. So who knows maybe they will be nipping at the heels of Mr Turner before 2010 is up.

Katy Ledger

Comments (1)

Michael Mouse

about 12 years ago
#51

This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site

I've followed this band since seeing them support Mumford & Sons, before said Mumfords really took off. Can't comment on the album because I obviously haven't heard it yet, but having heard demos and seen the band live you could hardly describe them as mediocre. The fact is they can't be compared with other bands in this genre because I think they've come up with their own unique style - I'd call it indie/folk. I wouldn't even say Frank Turner was their main musical influence as there are few similarities - if anything I'd say Frank Turner has moved in their direction with his new album.
You are right about one thing, they are a great live band. Will comment again when the album comes out.